Earthquake Tips

We had a 4.7 earthquake yesterday (I called it at 4.5, so yeah, I rule.), and our response was little different than usual.

The shaking started while the fiancee was at the table, and I was on the couch playing a game. The initial reaction was the same as always. Nothing. It's Southern California, the earth moves from time to time. It happens.

After a few seconds, the shaking got more violent, a harsh side to side motion. I paused the game to make sure nothing important was going to fall. Then, the shaking got noticeably sharper, and we ducked under the dinner table.

After the shaking stopped we returned to our business.

Just a quick reminder on what FEMA recommends you do DURING an earthquake;

If indoors

* DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on [to the cover] until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
* Stay away [and turn away] from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
* Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
* Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
* Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
* Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
* DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors
* Stay there.
* Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
* Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle
* Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
* Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris
* Do not light a match.
* Do not move about or kick up dust.
* Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
* Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

How's that earthquake kit coming along?

One gallon of water per day per person (don't forget pets!)
Canned veggies and meats
Water purifiers (or other form of purification)
Shelter like camping tents in the event your home becomes unlivable
Firearms and the training and practice to use them safely and competently. (What good are your supplies if anyone can just take them away?)

Those are just the basics! There are plenty of other things it would be prudent to store in your earthquake kit, but try not to get overwhelmed. Being 5% prepared makes you better prepared than 90% of people. GET STARTED TODAY!

No, seriously, today.

Go to your local superstore, and some water. ANY water. Getting started is the hardest part, so get it out of the way!

In other news; the $8 rifle rack remains earthquake resilient.